Insect repelling methods and compositions

Abstract

Compositions and methods for repelling biting midges, sand flies, and mosquitoes comprising applying to human skin compositions comprising neem oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and monoi oil. This composition is non toxic to mammals, marine vertebrates or invertebrates and other forms of aquatic life.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a 35 U.S.C. §371 application of PCT / US2011 / 054586 filed Oct. 3, 2011, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61 / 389,518 filed Oct. 4, 2010, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]Composition and methods for repelling biting midges, sand flies, and mosquitoes comprising applying to human skin compositions comprising neem oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and optionally monoi oil.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Biting Midges, Sand Flies and disease vector mosquitoes are blood sucking insect pests that feed on humans and animals alike. Their bites can inflict minor irritation or itching welts lasting for several days. In worse case scenarios, infections or diseases such as Leishmaniasis, Malaria, Dengue Fever or Yellow Fever can result.[0004]The biting midge is known as the primary pest in the Caribbean and is a deterrent for tour...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Their bites can inflict minor irritation or itching welts lasting for several days.

The biting midge is known as the primary pest in the Caribbean and is a deterrent for tourism due to the lack of effective solutions to repel the pests and their bothersome bites.

Bites from either the biting midge or sand fly can also cause irritation, discomfort and annoyance, and also deter tourism.

The largest threats to humans are the mosquitoes of the genera Anopheles, Aedes and Culex, which can carry Malaria, Dengue and Yellow Fever.

Many insecticides utilized to combat biting midges and sand flies are ineffective or insufficiently effective as repellents.

Furthermore, many of the pesticides utilized to repel insects contaminate water sources and are toxic to various forms of marine life in aquatic or ocean environments.

Moreover, marine life such as coral, vertebrates and invertebrates are very sensitive to toxic pesticides.

Exacerbating this problem is that many sun bathers, swimmers, divers and snorkelers often do not wash off toxic pesticides prior to nearing aquatic or ocean environments.

Additionally, the water used to wash off the toxic pesticides often contains the residues of the pesticides, which may run off or drain into the aquatic environments.